Yuzu Fou

Yuzu is one of the notes gaining steam in modern perfumes, and just like tea notes I’m very dubious it can actually be done (easily) consistently well. So when Corticchiato said he was doing a yuzu, my interest peaked as well as my worry. In my mind, I had high confidence that if anyone could do a convincing yuzu it’s Corticchiato, but the pessimist in me worried it might be a marketing gimmick cash grab. Did he fall prey as all niche firms seem to inevitably do? Let me make this plain and simple: it’s a great perfume. At the top there is actually yuzu! A real and photorealistic yuzu! It’s helped along by pitch-perfect compliments of orange and touches of mint. It’s gorgeous and mouthwatering at the same time. The heart of Yuzu Fou is a surprise, but, upon reflection, a logical turn. Corticchiato told us to expect woods, and his descriptions are just as precise as his perfumes - which is to say high - but this is far from the typical splintery woody dry down we so often get these days. Notes of bamboo, lemon verbena, cedar, resins, and musks give the heart and base a spiciness (cedar), a green and watery freshness (bamboo), an herbal citrus zest (verbena), a slightly smoky and resinous earthiness that resembles incense resin, and a clean richness from the musks. This is the star of Yuzu Fou. I was bowled over by the top but the dry down is even better, and impeccable. Corticchiato said he took broad inspiration from Japan and the harmony it keeps between fast-paced-technology-driven urban life and the beauty of its natural surroundings. He must love Japan, because what he’s telling us about it is that it’s gorgeous. One thing though... it isn’t crazy (fou). In the crowded field of tropical citrus and woody perfumes, Yuzu Fou is a standout triumph. Excellent.

I have a "love - hate" relationship with citrus dominated fragrances, so I was kinda scared to try this out. I dislike every single citrus fragrance which reminds me of some cleaning products or, god forbid, is mixed up with aquatic notes and (which in this case COULD be bamboo). Luckily for me and "Yuzu Fou" this is not the case and I am not going to be writing a bad review. The citrus here is marvelous, it is strong, skanky and deeply provocative and sexual. The mix with mint is mouthwatering and addictive. This is so far the best citrus scent I have tried and even though at start this doesn't feel too pleasant to smell (as I said - it is skanky) it is with no doubt extremely addictive. I clearly wish to get a full bottle of this in summer and the we shall see how other people around me find this - skanky and addictive or just skanky?

Yuzu with galbanum and verbena support in the top, reminding of Heeley's at that stage. Then, cumin appears together with some sweetness a-la Rochas Femme / PdE Wazamba. Then, the sweetness leaves, leaving space for the indolic/musky neroli, that together with the cumin, will give a vague impression of fresh leather... yes, fresh leather... does that remind you of something? For me, clearly Eau d'Hermes (unsurprising after the 'Rochas Femme' stage). Simply the best yuzu fragrance, and indeed 'crazy' for how much it evolves on the skin. Who prefer its citruses a bit softer, cleaner and rounder (but still zingy) might opt for Heeley's, who appreciate a bit of funkiness, will definitely go for PdE's. In any cases, two great options!

I think Yuzu Fou is lovely. It's a very interesting, gorgeous, unusual, unique perfume. Quite stunning. It moves a lot, and puts you through a heap of confused feelings. It's a real adventure perfume! Lovely unusual mixture of citrusy smells: sweet, bitter and just a bit quirky, but it gets better and better as time goes on: and I love it! I love the cedar and bamboo, they give such a clean openness, and the mint is so uplifting. But it's the sweet limey aroma I love . It is yum.

Wonderful bitter Yuzu with very good performance. The other listed notes are intriguing on their own—kumquat, mint, verbena, bamboo— are mixed on a base of neroli and musk. I love this one as much as I love Heeley Yuzu, but this Yuzu is more dominant and herbal. I will be adding this and Corsica Furiosa next Spring as I see them both as wonderful warm weather scents. The new bottle design is also a big step up. Impressed.